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The highly-rated Mavuba arrived at Villarreal during the close-season from Bordeaux but the France international has yet to make the match-day squad for either of his new club's two Primera Liga matches so far.

Pellegrini insists the 23-year-old midfielder, who was reportedly being chased by Juventus and Werder Bremen before opting for Villarreal, is still firmly in his plans, but that the player may have to bide his time before he is unleashed on Primera Liga defences.

"He is a young player who is in a period of adaptation, but he is someone who we have a lot of confidence in," said Pellegrini.

"He does not have any physical problems, but he went a long time without training and, logically, he arrived here with less preparation than the rest.

"At this moment, in his position we have Josico, (Marcos) Senna and Bruno (Soriano), but we are a team of 23 players and Mavuba must have patience and dedication, to wait for his turn to come into the team."